All-Organic Electrochromic Spandex

Herein we describe the preparation and characterization of reflective-type electrochromic devices using stretchable, conductive fabric electrodes. Two Fabrics were used in this study: woven stainless steel mesh and Lycra spandex impregnated with a conducting polymer (poly [3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene]-poly[styrene sulfonate], PEDOT-PSS). Electrochromic polymers were prepared on the surface of these fabric electrodes and devices were assembled. The time taken for the electrochromic polymer to switch between colored states in devices prepared with stainless steel electrodes (conductivity ca. 9,800 S/cm) was ca. 0.3 s, whereas that using PEDOT-PSS loaded Lycra (conductivity ca. 0.1 S/cm) was a few seconds. The iris effect was evaluated for each of the device architectures, showing no effect for steel mesh/steel mesh devices and a propagating front for spandex-based devices. The electrochromic spandex functioned in solution while being stretched. In addition, stenciled devices were built. Such Fabric electrochromic devices represent a critical step toward the realization of totally chameleonic fabric.